"It's almost like I'm playing a $125k tournament, not Wimbledon" - An emotional Amanda Anisimova cannot find 'bright side' after painful loss

Last year's Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova has been yet to rise up to those heights in 2026 after facing yet another harrowing setback in court. Her 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 defeat against fellow American Madison Keys was a bitter blow and left her very emotional after an honest press conference.

Following her incredible run last year which finally saw her live up to the standards many placed upon her when a young talent rising through the sport. The journey was not easy, but she was able to become one of the best players in the world, reaching the final of the US Open while collecting a brace of WTA 1000 titles.

However, her form in 2026 for a number of reasons has not been at the same level. Injury and a lack of consistency on court as she tries and finds her best level again have hit hard. She failed to pick up a number of points earlier in the season and now is in a position where there is a lot to defend.

First up was Wimbledon where she took down Lina Gjorcheska and before Sofia Kenin was seen off in a third set tiebreak. She would come up against a very tricky opponent with Keys having just won the Eastbourne Open title and was finding her feet on court once more.

It was Anisimova who stole a march early on, winning the final three games of the first set to take a very solid lead. Keys would respond immediately, winning the first three games of the second set as she went out ahead. A late break solidified the set and brought the tie level.

The all-important third set fell into the former Australian Open champion's hands after converting the only break point in the entire set before backing it up with a hold to move 4-1 to the good. Anisimova could not muster up any response with Keys taking her first match point and confirming her spot in the fourth round.

It was another reality check for Anisimova whose struggles were shown in full on court. Not playing at the level she had been this time last year, the 24-year-old attempted to explain what she was going through in an emotional press conference that left her in tears afterwards.

With a lack of rhythm on court, this came to bite her back when rallying. "I'm struggling a lot with my forehand, it's something I'm still trying to solve," she said. "It's not easy to step on court and see that your level is so low.

"It's almost like I'm playing a $125k tournament, not Wimbledon. When I'm happy and enjoying myself, I can play my tennis. But when I can't put a forehand in the court, it's really very difficult."

It was hard to be positive after a result like this one. If there was a bright side, Anisimova was not finding it as her 2026 took another frustrating turn. "Normally, I would be motivated and see this as another opportunity, but after these last few months, it's very hard to see the bright side. I feel like I'm doing everything I can and working very hard, so seeing that my tennis is still at this level, it's very hard to accept."

Day six at Wimbledon was one of many surprises. Reigning champion Iga Swiatek fell to a stunning Alexandra Eala while world number two and former winner Elena Rybakina was taken down by Elise Mertens in straight sets. The bottom half of the draw has been blown wide open with the number nine seed Linda Noskova the highest ranked. It is set to be a thrilling climax to Wimbledon with the tournament set to reach its business end in the coming days.